The constant demand to win now led to the NBA coaching carousel speeding up last offseason with Frank Vogel, Dave Joerger and George Karl among those that were dismissed. Vogel ended up with the Orlando Magic while Joerger ended up with the Sacramento Kings. Meanwhile, their replacements Nate McMillan and David Fizdale have struggled in their debuts but can we really claim they are on the hot seat less than 10 games in to their first seasons with their new clubs? At this point, we will concentrate on a handful of coaches that appear to have a lot less confidence behind them with their respective franchises. Here is a look at the four NBA head coaches that are on the hot seat already this season.
Alvin Gentry, New Orleans Pelicans
Injuries have been a major problem for the Pelicans over the past couple of years but it’s hard not to consider New Orleans the most disappointing team in the NBA based on their 1-9 start to the season. The Pelicans just allowed Stephen Curry to drain an NBA-record 13 three-point shots in a 122-114 loss and they rank in the bottom-third of the NBA in both points scores and points allowed per game this season. Their lone win of the season came against the Milwaukee Bucks; not exactly an elite team.
Gentry earned the benefit of the doubt due to injuries last season because there were so many injuries. While the team is still missing point guard Jrue Holiday, he’s not that big of a difference-maker. They might improve but he won’t change this team from one of the worst in the NBA to a playoff contender. There have been so few positives to take from the first couple of weeks of this season that Gentry has to be on the hot seat right now.
Scott Brooks, Washington Wizards
John Wall’s 25.8 PER illustrates that Brooks probably couldn’t ask much more of his All-Star point guard right now so why are the Wizards just one game up on the Philadelphia 76ers for the worst record in the Eastern Conference at 2-7? Washington is averaging just 98.7 points per game while giving up an average of 105.5 points per contest and their -6.8 point differential is among the worst in the NBA. Brooks spent his first offseason with the team trying to change the culture in an effort to maximize the potential of the talent on his roster but a brutal start to his time with the Wizards has him on the hot seat already.
Jeff Hornacek, New York Knicks
All of the talk about the Knicks being a playoff team has been put on hold following a 3-6 start to the season in which New York has a -7.7 point differential that is the third-worst mark in the Eastern Conference. A number of Knicks players have already voiced their displeasure in their offensive scheme with complaints that they don’t feel it fits their personnel. Meanwhile, Hornacek confirmed he would allow Kurt Rambis to have complete control to coach the Knicks defense. General Manager Phil Jackson has been outspoken about his displeasure with the team’s start and particularly the way they have been performing in the triangle offense so it’s definitely not too early to consider Hornacek on the hot seat. The only good news is that they’re in the Eastern Conference and a .500 record could get them into the playoffs.
Earl Watson, Phoenix Suns
The Suns have one of the most intriguing young cores in the NBA with Devin Booker, Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight leading the way and while they might not have been expected to contend for a playoff spot this season it still feels like their 3-7 start is a disappointment. Phoenix posted a 9-24 record under Watson last season and while he said he wanted to adjust the team’s focus to being more involved with defense first the best approach might be to focus on a talented offense that has the potential to put up big numbers every night. Watson’s lack of coaching experience could be an issue moving forward if management in Phoenix wants to make sure they have a veteran leader to develop the young talent on their roster. Watson isn’t in imminent danger of being fired but he is certainly on the hot seat with the Suns following a poor start to the season.
